Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Maputo (Mozambique), Carjackings
Travel Health and Safety; Carjacking
Africa > Mozambique > Maputo; Africa > Swaziland > Mbabane
4/24/2013
This security message is to alerts U.S. citizens in Mozambique that there have been several reported incidents of carjackings between the Namaacha and Goba border crossing points and the city of Boane, near the border with Swaziland. Reports indicate the carjackers are wearing military style camouflage uniforms and stop vehicles on deserted stretches of road. The Mozambican police (PRM) confirm that there have been several reports of such incidents in these areas. The Matola PRM Chief has expressed his commitment to work with the relevant authorities to address the current threat.
Only the Mozambican police have the authority to establish checkpoints according to the Chief of Operations. There are two permanent checkpoints with mixed forces including, border patrol, customs, and regular police between the two border crossings and the city of Boane. Border patrol personnel wear a green uniform with dark green berets, customs authorities are in a dark blue trousers and a light blue shirt, with a dark blue berets, traffic police wear white shirts and dark trousers and dark cap, and the standard police force wear gray uniforms with gray caps.
Occasionally, police may establish another temporary checkpoint on the two roads from Namaacha or Goba. When this occurs, a legitimate checkpoint would consist of four uniformed policemen and would involve a visible police vehicle. In cases where a driver comes across a checkpoint involving fewer than four policemen and/or no vehicle, one should ensure windows and doors are closed and locked, slow down and assess the situation. If you have concerns or believe this is not a legitimate checkpoint, drive on and report the situation to the nearest police station.
https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=13933&__Referrer=afternoon_digest_24_04_2013